History was made last week in the City of Lakewood, California, as Cassandra Chase became the first Black woman ever elected to serve as mayor.
Community leaders and residents alike are celebrating the groundbreaking milestone as powerful step forward for representation, leadership, and local progress.
Chase was officially named mayor during the Lakewood City Council’s annual reorganization on July 8, taking over from outgoing Mayor Todd Rogers, who will continue to serve as a council member through June 2026.
Chase’s term as mayor will run through July 2026.
In a statement from the City of Lakewood, officials confirmed that the council selected Chase in accordance with the city’s tradition of rotating mayoral duties annually among the five council members.
Although the position is largely ceremonial and the mayor holds the same vote as fellow council members, the mayor serves as the primary public spokesperson and chairs all council meetings.
A Night of Celebration and Change
The announcement came during the city’s festive Lakewood Celebrates gathering, where community members came together to express appreciation for Mayor Rogers’ 2024–2025 service and welcome Chase into her new role. Nearly 200 people filled the council chambers and nearby overflow rooms to witness the historic transition.
Chase, who was elected to the Lakewood City Council in 2022, will continue serving her council term through June 2026.
Her elevation to mayor marks a turning point for the city—a symbol of Lakewood’s evolving commitment to diversity, inclusion, and civic progress.
Representation Matters. Progress Is Possible
Community members and advocacy organizations quickly took to social media to celebrate the historic moment. One widely shared post read:
“History has been made in the City of Lakewood, California! 🙌🏾 Madam Mayor Chase has officially become the first Black woman ever elected to serve as Mayor. This historic moment is a powerful reminder that representation matters and progress is possible.”
The post praised her vision, leadership, and the doors she is opening for future generations of Black women and aspiring leaders.
Chase’s leadership comes at a time when cities across the country are grappling with questions of equity and inclusion in local government.
Her new role as mayor of a diverse Southern California city stands as both a milestone and a model of what inclusive leadership can look like at the municipal level.
